Top City official not looking to buy Cats
BRIAN Marwood is not involved in any group attempting to buy Sunderland AFC, according to our sources.
The former Arsenal and Sheffield Wednesday winger, born in Seaham, County Durham, was at the heart of weekend speculation linking him with a consortium supposedly interested in buying Sunderland from current owner Stewart Donald.
However, sources have indicated that there is absolutely no truth in the reports.
Marwood’s name being linked caused excitement among Sunderland fans at the weekend.
As well as his ties to the region, Marwood has extensive experience in executive football roles since his retirement from playing.
He served as chairman of the Professional Footballers’ Association between 1990 and 1993 and has been employed by Manchester City since 2009.
Initially joining as football administrator, Marwood is now managing director of City Football Group, which is a holding company that operates clubs under the ownership of Abu Dhabi United Group, including Manchester City.
The speculation always seemed strange because of Marwood’s current role, which would no doubt be a conflict of interest if he were to be involved in a Sunderland takeover.
The speculation seemed to stem from his previous employment with sportswear brand Nike. Prior to joining City, Marwood previously held the title of UK sports marketing manager for Nike.
Sunderland have strong ties to the sports manufacturer, with their first European headquarters based in Sunderland, and the Black Cats being the first sports club in Europe to wear kits made with the famous swoosh on their shirts.
The club have also just agreed a new deal which will see their kits once again be made by Nike starting next season.